Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 98-04-07

From: Macedonian Press Agency <mpa@philippos.mpa.gr>

Macedonian Press Agency: News in English Directory

MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY NEWS IN ENGLISH

Thessaloniki, April 7, 1998

NEWS IN ENGLISH

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

TITLES

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

NEWS IN DETAIL

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[01] PARLIAMENT CHIEF IRKED BY US AMBASSADOR’S OUTSPOKENESS

The President of the Hellenic Parliament Apostolos Kaklamanis called on Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou to keep United States Ambassador Nicholas Burns "in check", stating that the American diplomat is behaving in Greece like a "local governor".

Mr. Kaklamanis’ remarks were made at the end of a discussion on a tabled question by Communist Party of Greece (KKE) deputy Orestis Kolozov, concerning the US Ambassador’s recent statements, made at the Thessaloniki-held business forum- wherein he appeared to criticize Greece’s political and business activities.

The Parliament President stated that it is unacceptable for foreign ambassadors assigned to Greece to officially visit military and police officers, or public sector officials. On his part, Mr. Papandreou replied that the foreign ministry has its own way of dealing with the issue.

However, replying to Mr. Kolozov, Mr. Papandreou said that the US Ambassador's recent tours and contacts "lie within the usual practice of democratic and liberal countries, provided that the rules of diplomatic etiquette are observed" and added that the American diplomat “performs his job well.”

Mr. Papandreou walked out of the Parliament immediately upon Mr. Kaklamanis’ outburst.

[02] DRAFTBILL ON REVITALIZATION OF OLYMPIC AIRWAYS HEARD TODAY

The draftbill containing the proposed changes to be implemented on the structure of the national air carrier Olympic Airways is to be heard in Parliament today.

Meanwhile, the O.A. staff are holding a 24-hour strike today and the country’s airports are operating with a minimal number of workers. This means that only one flight will be conducted for each route.

Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas stated that there would be no change to the essence of the reforms contained in the bill, which is to be voted on on Thursday.

A joint statement issued by six ruling PASOK deputies outlining their concerns over the current situation between government, management and workers at Olympic Airways was characterized by Mr. Reppas as "an expression of concern" but, he added, "I do not understand how they are being considered to be in disagreement".

He said the failure to follow the party line on the vote would be followed by "the specific consequences".

[03] ARCHBISHOP SERAPHIM’S STATE OF HEALTH WORSENS

The state of health of Archbishop of Athens and All of Greece Seraphim is critical, following the worsening turn taken yesterday. The Archbishop continues to be hospitalized and underwent dialysis treatment yesterday.

The permanent Holy Synod will meet today and, according to reports, the issue of the Archbishop's replacement will not be raised.

[04] ATHENS HOSTS MEDITERRANEAN SPECIAL OLYMPICS

The Mediterranean "Special Olympics" were officially opened in Athens yesterday, at the capital city’s Olympic indoor stadium, with a ceremony attended by Sports Undersecretary Andreas Fouras, Athens Mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos, various deputies and other officials

Twenty-five countries are to be represented by 1,400 athletes who will compete in athletic events that start today.

[05] ALBANIAN TRADE DELEGATION IN THESSALONIKI FOR TALKS WITH HELEXPO

Albania’s deputy Minister of Trade and Tourism Alfred Pema arrived in Thessaloniki yesterday, heading a trade delegation, in order to hold talks with HELEXPO officials.

The Albanian officials are seeking advice on ways to set up an exhibition center in Tirana.

The two countries are also looking into the prospect of organizing trade fairs today. HELEXPO is organizing a Greek product trade fair in Tirana in the upcoming October.

[06] GREEK COMPANIES ARE ACTIVE IN ALBANIA

Greek construction companies are alive and well in Albania, one of the most active ones being “Sarantopoulos” which is mainly active in the construction of road networks.

The company’s public relations officer Thomas Metsios, speaking to the Macedonian Press Agency, stated that “Sarantopoulos” has undertaken the contract on a series of projects, such ad the construction of bridges, the construction of Tirana’s military hospital and the “Rina” airport runway, as well as the road construction of the Mamouras-Miliot axis, whose length measures 22 kilometers.

[07] MINISTERIAL MEETING ON OLYMPIC AIRWAYS

An emergency meeting under minister of interior and public administration Alekos Papadopoulos is underway on the issue of Olympic Airways. Meanwhile, the bill on the reform of the state airline will be discussed in Parliament this afternoon.

The Greek airports operate only with emergency staff due to the 24hour strike organized by the Federation of Civil Aviation Employees’ Unions. The Olympic Airways flying crew will be on a 24hour strike tomorrow, while the General Confederation of Labor announced a strike for Thursday.

[08] THE ARCHBISHOP IS IN CRITICAL CONDITION

The state of health of Archbishop of Athens and All of Greece Seraphim, who is still hospitalized in Athens, is characterized as critical. The hospital’s chairman reiterated that the Archbishop is very weakened but he is not on a life support system. He has speech problems but he is alert and can communicate.

Minister of health Kostas Gitonas, who visited the Archbishop in hospital, stated that his health is deteriorating.

[09] THE COMMITTEE OF WEU ASSEMBLY PRESIDENTS WILL CONVENE TOMORROW

The Committee of Western European Union assembly presidents will meet tomorrow in the Parliament building in Athens. The meeting will be addressed by Greek Parliament president Apostolos Kaklamanis and among the speakers will be foreign minister Theodoros Pangalos and minister of defense Akis Tsochatzopoulos.

Greece will hold the rotating presidency of the WEU until June when Italy takes over.

[10] PANGALOS’ STATEMENTS ON THE CONFIDENCE-BUILDING-MEASURES

Greek foreign minister Theodoros Pangalos stated in a press conference at noon today that the time has come for decisions on the issue of confidence-building-measures in the Aegean. Mr. Pangalos speculated that there will be an agreement if Ankara makes no attempt to create fait accompli on issues of sovereign rights.

Also, the foreign minister announced that Kostas Bikas, who until now was the Greek foreign ministry spokesman, will be transferred to the Greek embassy in Baghdad.

[11] THE POLISH PRESIDENT’S CONTACTS IN GREECE

President of Poland Alexander Kwasniewski, who is on a formal visit to Greece, had separate meetings in Athens today with Parliament president Apostolos Kaklamanis, right-wing main opposition party New Democracy leader Kostas Karamanlis and foreign minister Theodoros Pangalos.

Parliament president Apostolos Kaklamanis stated that the meeting with the Polish president was mutually advantageous and announced that the Greek Parliament will ratify tomorrow the protocol of friendship and cooperation between Greece and Poland.

[12] PERMANENT HOLY SYNOD STATEMENT ON ARCHBISHOP SERAPHIM

The permanent Holy Synod expressed its sympathy to ailing Archbishop of Athens and All of Greece Seraphim and as it was made known, the issue of his health will be discussed in the Holy Synod’s next meeting that will be held in May.

A Holy Synod delegation will visit Archbishop Seraphim in hospital this afternoon.

[13] THE GREEK FOREIGN MINISTER BACKS THE DEPUTY FOREIGN MINISTER

Greek foreign minister Theodoros Pangalos offered his full backing to deputy foreign minister Giorgos Papandreou on the verbal incident he had yesterday with Parliament president Apostolos Kaklamanis on the activities of US ambassador to Athens Nicholas Burns.

In spite of the prejudice that exists regarding the US ambassadors, things have changed and the United States is an allied country that does not attempt anymore to impose its policy on Greece, stated Mr. Pangalos, adding that Mr. Burns’ behavior is not in conflict with the tactic followed by Greece.

Responding to a question on the issue, Parliament president Kaklamanis stated that he does not have to comment on how the US State Department sees its ambassador and on whether he is an excellent servant of its interests.

Deputy foreign minister Giorgos Papandreou stated this morning that the issue with Mr. Kaklamanis has ended and characterized as a political mistake the conflict with the US ambassador, while at the same time he admitted that certain of Mr. Burns’ views are annoying.

[14] THE TURKISH CHIEF OF STAFF EXPRESSED SATISFACTION FOR THE RESULTS OF HIS MEETINGS

Turkish Chief of Staff general Ismail Hakki Karadayi, in a press conference held in Athens today, expressed satisfaction for the results of his meeting with his Greek counterpart, wing commander Athanasios Tzoganis.

The Turkish official stressed that all the problems between Greece and Turkey can be resolved through dialogue if there is good faith from both sides and added that he and Mr. Tzoganis agreed to take advantage of such opportunities in the future.

Meanwhile, the meeting of the Western European Union Chiefs of Staff was completed today in the seaside resort of Vouliagmeni near Athens. The final decisions within the framework of the WEU will be taken in the island of Rhodes, in south-eastern Aegean next May when the meeting of the WEU ministers of foreign affairs and defense will take place.

[15] FORMER GREEK PRESIDENT KONSTANTINOS KARAMANLIS WAS RUSHED TO HOSPITAL

Former Greek president Konstantinos Karamanlis was rushed to “Hygia” Hospital in Athens with a strong pain in the chest.

The 91yearold ex-president was urgently taken to hospital where he will stay for at least 48 hours for precautionary reasons as a few days ago he had a feeling of discomfort which was followed today by the strong chest pains.

[16] REPPAS: THERE IS NO BURNS ISSUE FOR THE GREEK GOVERNMENT

Greek government spokesman Dimitris Reppas avoided to make statements in today’s briefing of reporters concerning yesterday’s incident in Parliament between its president Apostolos Kaklamanis and deputy foreign minister Giorgos Papandreou regarding the behavior of US ambassador to Athens Nicholas Burns.

Mr. Reppas stated that he does not comment on statements made by officials such as, the Parliament president and denied that there was an intervention by prime minister Kostas Simitis from London to end the incident. He added that the diplomats and Mr. Burns exercise their duties according to the Constitution and the laws and that the ministry of foreign affairs handles the relations with the US in a responsible way. Mr. Reppas also added that Mr. Papandreou enjoys the government’s confidence and exercises his duties successfully.

Regarding the Parliament president, Mr. Reppas stated that he exercises his duties in a way that does not accept a government intervention.

Responding to the question if there was a disagreement between the prime minister and the Parliament president, Mr. Reppas stated that there never was a disagreement and added that Mr. Kaklamanis had expressed his views over Mr.Burns in meetings of governmental bodies.

Mr. Reppas stated categorically that there is no Burns issue for the Greek government. [B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

[17] GREEK PM TO ADDRESS EUROPEAN SOCIALIST PARTY MEETING

Greek Prime Minister Kostas Simitis is to address the European Union’s Socialist prime ministers in London today where he is expected to propose that the European Socialist Party’s policies be reformulated in order to include all political parties as an international organization. Specifically, Mr. Simitis will meet with the prime ministers of Britain, France, Sweden, the Netherlands, Denmark, Austria and Portugal.

According to the report issued by the Premier’s press office, Mr. Simitis is to evaluate the course made so far by the European left and Europe and will note that "the sweeping changes in the world economy over the past 10 years were as creative as they were disastrous."

Referring to the latest economic crisis, the Greek Premier will point out that " 'casino-capitalism' which attempted to replace the mixed economy, and partially achieved this, has already led to social decomposition, social privation, marginalization and disaster."

Mr. Simitis will support the view held by British Prime Minister Tony Blair that the European socialists must set a "third path" between the "old-type socialism and savage capitalism."

Moreover, he will note that the latest economic crisis proved that "no nation-state can contain unbridled capitalism by itself at present" and will add that an international organization is required "which will express our interests with clarity, our policy and our strategies and purposes."

Mr. Simitis will emphasize that this organization is secured by the EU which will represent the "third path" between the weak nation-state and the disastrous, anarchistic and globalized economic system.

In turn, the Greek Premier will propose the creation of a separate political authority in Europe, a political government which will proceed with long-term institutional reforms and will propose the immediate creation of a committee composed of European socialist party members which will process proposals for the promotion of political and social democracy in Europe.

[18] STATE DEPARTMENT DEFENDS BURNS FROM GREEK CRITICISM

In response to criticism directed at the United States Ambassador to Athens Nicholas Burns by the President of the Hellenic Parliament Apostolos Kaklamanis, US State Department spokesman Jim Foley stated yesterday that the US diplomat enjoys the full support of US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright.

"Ambassador Burns enjoys Secretary of State Madeleine Albright's full confidence. We think he does an excellent job," Mr. Foley said.

Moreover, the State Department spokesman noted that as far as attaining a higher level of US-Greek relations was concerned, there were some issues of concern, mainly over terrorism, trade and copyright violations.

He added that Mr. Burns presented those issues as a "faithful servant of US interests" and as a representative of the Secretary of State and US President Bill Clinton.

[19] SERB PRESIDENT MILUTINOVIC ARRIVES IN PRISHTINA TODAY

The Serb President Milan Milutinovic is to arrive in the city of Prishtina today, the center of the recent conflict that erupted between Serbs and the local Albanians.

Meanwhile, FYROM and the United States agreed yesterday to extend the stay of the peacekeeping force that is stationed along the length of the country’s borders in order to contain the episodes that are taking place in Kossovo.

[20] ALBANIANS APPOINT NEGOTIATORS, BUT WON’T TALK TO SERBS

Kossovo's ethnic Albanian leaders yesterday appointed a four- member negotiating team but continue to refuse to start talks with the Serbian government without international mediation.

Meanwhile, Serbian President Milan Milutinovic will travel to Kossovo's capital, Prishtina, today, in order to take part in the negotiations called by his government. Mr. Milutinovic will be the highest-ranked Serb official to visit Prishtina since the latest Kossovo violence started Feb. 28.

Kossovo’s Albanian negotiator, Femi Agani, has rejected any talks with Mr. Milutinovic, saying Serbia is playing "tricks" and reiterated his demand for foreign mediation.

[21] BRITAIN REJECTS SERB REFERENDUM AS A “SIDE-SHOW”

The British-held European Union Presidency has rejected a proposed Serb referendum on foreign mediation in Kossovo as "a side-show" and stressed that it will press forward with its efforts to set up talks between Belgrade and Kossovo’s Albanians.

The President of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia Slobodan Milosevic called a national referendum for April 23 on foreign mediation in the Kossovo crisis.

"This is a side-show. We are not going to be side-tracked from our main task which is to get a meaningful dialogue going between the parties," a foreign office spokesman said.

[22] GREEK AMBASSADOR AT TIRANA: RELATIONS NOW AT BEST LEVEL

The Greek ambassador at Tirana Konstantinos Prevedourakis characterized the present level of Greek-Albanian relations as the best it has been since the country’s independence.

In an interview with a Tirana daily, the Greek diplomat outlined the Greek government’s positions on relations between the two neighbors and, responding to a related question stated that “ the factors that often burden the climate of bilateral relations are the lack of responsible information, shortsighted interests, a times-past mentality, etc.”

He stated that the recent expulsions of illegal immigrants from Greece have provoked a lot of unnecessary fuss and praised the Greek government’s measures for these individuals’ legalization.

Lastly, Mr. Prevedourakis also praised the Greek government’s assistance in the efforts of Albania’s recovery and the Inter- Balkan Conference held in Crete last summer.

[23] BULGARIAN PEASANT DISCOVERS TROJAN-ERA TREASURES

A Bulgarian peasant has discovered a priceless treasure trove including gold and bronze dating back to the 10th century BC, archaeologists have reported.

According to the AFP, the haul includes a gilded scepter, a bronze throwing disk, an iron short-sword and five spears, as well as other gold and ceramic artifacts.

The War of Troy-era trove was unearthed by a peasant tilling is land in southern Bulgaria, according to Bulgaria’s national history museum director Bojidar Dimitriov, who stated that “it is impossible to put a price on them.”

Mr. Dimitriov declined to disclose the exact location of the rare find, in order to avoid treasure hunters.

[24] THE ETHNIC ALBANIANS IN KOSOVO WILL NOT ENTER A DIALOGUE

A government delegation headed by Serb president Milan Miludinovic is in Pristina for talks with representatives of the ethnic Albanians in Kosovo aimed at finding a solution to the problem.

According to all indications, the representatives of the Albanian-speaking population will not attend the talks.

[25] TIRANA IS A “CRIME CAPITAL”

The newspaper “Sekuli” characterized Tirana as a “crime capital” because based on the statistics given to publicity by the justice ministry, the Albanian capital occupies the first place when it comes to crime rate compared to other Albanian cities.

Of the total number of crimes committed across Albania, 26% was committed by Tirana residents. The second place belongs to Durres with 10%, followed by Saranta, Pogradec etc.

[26] SIMITIS INVITES TONY BLAIR TO GREECE

Greek prime minister Kostas Simitis met with his British counterpart Tony Blair in London today but the two premiers did not talk about the Cyprus issue and the Greek-Turkish relations.

In a press-conference he gave, mr Simitis expressed his belief that Britain supported the accession of Cyprus in the EU in a bid to establish a balance. Greek premier stressed that so far Britain protected and promoted the opening of EU accession negotiations for Cyprus and added that Britain’s policy in this field helped both Greece and Cyprus. Mr Simitis also noted that mr Blair had accepted his invitation to visit Greece on a date that would be set soon.

[27] JACQUES CHIRAC IN BOSNIA

Within the framework of his 24-hour visit to Bosnia, French president Jacques Chirac, in a speech he addressed to Moslem, Serb and Croat students in the National Theatre in Sarajevo, asked for the contribution of the young people of Bosnia to the creation of a “model” country. “You aspire to join the great European family in the future because this family is yours as it is of all the people of former Yugoslavia” mr Chirac said and added that Bosnians wished to build a “model” country where people would have to learn to coexist and respect their differences .

Earlier, French president met with president Alija Izetbegovic and the Serb and Croat members of Bosnia’s collective presidency, Momcilo Krajisnik and Kresimir Zubak, respectively.

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